More polarisation

By Salama A Salama

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The political climate in the region is becoming polarised and racing towards fanaticism, leaving behind the principles of peace and a peaceful resolution. The trend is heading towards more violence and refusal by Israeli parties to accept a two-state solution. These parties have succumbed to the influence of religious fanaticism, while Hamas and its supporters have rekindled the call for armed resistance and refusal of a truce -- essentially returning to the same positions which preceded the war on Gaza.

While Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was touring Europe in search of French, British and EU support for the ceasefire, the reopening of borders, the formation of a unity government and launching the rebuilding process, Khaled Meshaal was visiting Syria and Iran on a ferocious campaign to get rid of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), a new formula which corrects the Palestinian status quo and recognises Hamas.

It is no surprise that this polarisation is taking place since the war on Gaza appears to have been an opportunity for Israeli parties to court extremist forces who never embraced coexistence with the Palestinians or living in peace with their Arab neighbours. Polls have shown how the outlook of the Labour and Kadima parties has fallen back in the face of extremist right parties such as the Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel is our Home). The Labour Party, led by Ehud Barak, and Kadima under the leadership of Tzipi Livni campaigned for a two-state solution based on negotiations and dialogue with the PLO as the route to peace. They avoided competing with rhetoric from Netanyahu's Likud and Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu which promised the annihilation of Hamas, Palestinian resistance and stripping Palestinians of citizenship. Hence, the Palestinians were thrown into the arms of fanaticism, as the Israelis embraced extremism even more fully.

Recent polls in Gaza and the West Bank have shown that Israel's war in Gaza has enhanced Hamas's position and weakened Fatah and the national government. If elections were held today, according to poll results, Hamas supporters will increase from 19 per cent to 28.6 per cent, while Fatah supporters will drop from 34 per cent to 27.9 per cent.

There is also consensus that polarisation and division is not singular to Palestinian groups. It is also reflected in the Arab street, where official positions in response to the events in Gaza are in direct conflict with the sentiment of opposition groups, civil society and syndicates. At the same time, there is sharp criticism of what appears to be the impotence of the Arab League in resolving sharp differences in Arab ranks -- as witnessed in endless and competing meetings of Arab foreign ministers and Arab summits. These gatherings were often fruitless or ended in unprecedented squabbles and the exchange of blame.

Meanwhile, no one is demanding that Israel pays for the destruction of Gaza. European countries, who are the majority of donors, suffice by making demands on Hamas and its ousted government and Abbas and his incumbent cabinet to ensure there is no arms smuggling or rocket launching. Meanwhile, Europe wants to see adherence by the Palestinians to difficult commitments such as the blocking of tunnels used for smuggling food provisions.

The scene overall is a farce: Israel destroys Gaza, crushing resistance and starving the people; European countries pick up the price tag through donations and grants for rebuilding; Arab countries are fighting amongst themselves and pointing fingers in search of an illusive peace.

Egyptian efforts may result in a temporary ceasefire, but the outcome of Israeli elections does not bode well for the truce. The level of tension and division within Palestinian ranks foretell more of the same.